Grief Grieving During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for celebrating and social interaction.

Others seem cheerful and seem to enjoy getting together in groups for fun get-togethers.

If you have lost a beloved pet you are grieving, and for a while will not be able to participate and enjoy the time as others do.

You get to decide and choose what you can and cannot participate in. Do what feels right for you.

While you may be pressured to attend a holiday party or family gathering, check in with your wants and needs to identify your readiness.

It may be helpful to commit to something that sounds fun while reminding yourself that you don’t have to stay the entire time. It is also okay to opt-out of certain things altogether. Finding a balance between engaging and not pushing yourself is important.

You may experience both positive and negative emotions while grieving in the holidays.

Remind yourself that these emotions can all co-exist as it is possible to enjoy the holiday and miss your absent pet at the same time.

If you are feeling lonely without your pet, it may be helpful to accept more social interactions than you have in the past. Reach out to those you care about.

It is also traditionally a season of giving, so consider helping out in your community at this particular time of service. Reach out to a group or organization that you feel connected to in some way, and volunteer to help a person or animal in need over the holidays.

Make a charitable donation to an organization or group in need in your pet’s name.

Help out a family member or friend that needs to travel over the holidays and would love some caring hands and heart for their pet that has to remain behind.

Consider having a tree ornament or other keepsake made of your pet to remember them by every year over the holidays. In time, this will become a happy memory that will bring you joy every holiday season.